Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Me and My Shadow

Character

Human improvement is from within outward.

James A. Froude 1818-1894, British Historian

1 Sam 16:7
But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
NASU

Howard Beecher, and old American preacher and writer, had this to say about character, and it is well worth repeating today. “A man's character is the reality of himself; his reputation, the opinion others have formed about him; character resides in him, reputation in other people; that is the substance, this is the shadow.”

Now I think that is a great thought. Character casts a shadow, and that shadow is the reputation that is established in others, because of the character which resides in you and me. Really, who, or what we are inside, whether we want it to be seen or not, will leave an impression on those around us.

The Law which came before the coming of Christ was just a shadow of things to come; the substance is Christ the power is in Him. Hebrews 10:1 says, “For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near.

That means that no matter how hard you try to change your outward appearance, you cannot, unless a real change happens within, who you are will be seen and cast a shadow on those around you. The clothes don’t make a man, nor does the hair, the tattoo’s or the shoes. Who you are seeps out of the pores of your life, and it is the real you, and if you want to change, the change must start from within.

Who can do that? Only Jesus, He can make the only real change in us. He will change our attitude and our being, only He can transform what seeps out of our pores and leaves a shadow in others. Me and my shadow, what outline am I leaving for others on this earth to see, what is my essence and my inter-most being? I hope it is Christ, for if it is not then the impression is worthless, and will not cast into others the eternal things of Jesus my Lord…God Bless.


Pastor William

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Pastor William

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Gainesville, Fl, United States
Pray for God to move greatly in "Journey of The Word Church".